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Does the apple fall far from the tree? A meta-analysis linking parental factors to children's intrinsic and extrinsic goals
Ferber, Kelly A. Bradshaw, Emma L. Noetel, Michael Wong, Tsz Ying Ahn, Jiseul S. Parker, Philip D. Ryan, Richard M.
Ferber, Kelly A.
Bradshaw, Emma L.
Noetel, Michael
Wong, Tsz Ying
Ahn, Jiseul S.
Parker, Philip D.
Ryan, Richard M.
Abstract
Self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017) has highlighted the differential roles that intrinsic life goals (for personal growth, close relationships, community connections, and physical health) and extrinsic life goals (i.e., for wealth, image, and status) play in supporting well-being. Less is known about how orientations toward these two types of aspirations develop. It is likely that early environmental influences, namely one’s parents, impact individuals’ aspirations. We address this gap by systematically reviewing the links between relevant parents’ characteristics and the intrinsic and extrinsic goals of their children. We identified 49 eligible reports. Children’s intrinsic aspirations were higher when parents provided a need-supportive environment (characterized by support for autonomy, relatedness, and competence) and when they endorsed intrinsic aspirations themselves, whereas children’s extrinsic aspirations were higher when parents exhibited extrinsic aspirations themselves, promoted the pursuit of extrinsic aspirations, and provided environments characterized by need frustration. Therefore, fostering basic psychological need satisfaction may support children’s intrinsic aspiring. In addition, parents should also be mindful of their own extrinsic goals, as they may influence extrinsic aspirations in their children and possibly compromise their well-being over the long term. (PsycInfo Database Record © 2024 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords
intrinsic aspirations, life goals, materialism, parenting, well-being
Date
2024
Type
Journal article
Journal
Psychological Bulletin
Book
Volume
150
Issue
10
Page Range
1155-1177
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Education and Arts
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Education and Arts
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled